“Connection is why we’re here; it is what gives purpose and meaning to our lives.” – Brené Brown
Have you ever noticed how we often think we have more time than we do?
It’s a common coping mechanism against the existential dread of our mortality. Sometimes it’s healthy, but other times it can be a handicap. Having lost my father just a few months ago, I can relate to this coping skill and way of thinking.
I always thought that there would be more time…
We might neglect relationships that shouldn’t be overlooked, focusing too much on our careers and moving forward, forgetting the important things in life, like relationships with family and children.
Here are three ways to make the most of every relationship:
1️⃣ Be Present
⚫ Prioritize quality time over quantity.
⚫ Engage in activities that foster connection, like taking a walk or enjoying a beautiful blue sky together.
2️⃣ Communicate Openly
⚫ Share your thoughts and feelings honestly.
⚫ Make an effort to understand and support each other.
⚫ Express Gratitude
3️⃣ Regularly acknowledge the positive impact others have on your life.
⚫ Show appreciation through words and actions.
⚫ Never underestimate the impact this can have on others
The Science of Relationships and Mental Health
✅ Social Connections and Depression:
A study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that strong social connections significantly reduce the risk of depression.
✅ Loneliness and Mortality:
Research in the American Journal of Epidemiology highlighted that loneliness is as significant a risk factor for mortality as smoking and obesity.
✅ Relationships and Well-Being:
The Harvard Study of Adult Development found that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their lives.
Healthy relationships can even improve our telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of our DNA strands, which are linked to longer life spans.
We often think we have more time, but time waits for no one.
Prioritize your relationships, be present, and make every moment count.
It’s the small, everyday moments that often hold the most meaning.
Peter Zafirides, MD
Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine
